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04 May, 2024 by Allen mcgill
Have referred two people to Mr. Crouse, one for a Special Needs Trust and another for a Will, Powers of Attorney and a Living Will. Mr Crouse is very knowledgeable and well versed in his profession, and takes the time to explain things in detail and answer any questions. Both clients were well pleased with his work product. Would highly recommend Mr Crouse to anyone needing estate planning. He is a credit to his profession and to Elder Law
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13 Mar, 2024 by Rebecca
Dustin was extremely helpful and caring in assisting me in dealing with my rights in terms of my parent’s end of life issues. It was a complicated situation and he helped me immensely.
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22 Jan, 2024 by Staci holt
My elderly father and I met with Mr. Crouse to discuss asset protection. We found out early in our consultation that Mr. Crouse would not be able to help us going forward, because my father lives out of state, and he would need an attorney from his state to draw up the trust.
However, Mr. Crouse still spent over an hour with us, educating us about our options. He explained everything in a way that we could comprehend. He answered all of our questions and really made sure we understood. He could have easily sent us home, but didn’t!
I highly recommend Mr. Crouse. He’s extremely knowledgeable and you can absolutely tell he is passionate about his calling.
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04 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous
Vanessa Samano is simply the best there is for child custody cases, specifically high conflict. I would highly recommend Vanessa for any type of divorce or family law case, but specifically if you have a need for representation for Juvenile Court. Vanessa has the relationships with the courts, judges, and other attorneys across East Tennessee. She is highly respected and knows the law, but mostly she cares about the families she represents. I could not have asked for someone who believed in me and my case more. She will be honest, even when it's not what you want to hear. She will encourage you to always do the right thing and to not just check boxes but legitimately follow through.
Vanessa helped me navigate a complex divorce followed by a difficult custody case in which I obtained primary custody. As a single Dad, this was not easy even though the facts were in my favor. My advice, without reservation, is to not just hire Vanessa Samano, but to listen to her and do what she says. If you are not willing to be honest or take responsibility, Vanessa is not for you. However, if you want someone to help you navigate a complex system in an honest but tough and caring way that puts the best interest of children first, then Vanessa is right for you. She will continue to be my choice for representation in all future custody matters, and has already been recommended to several friends and family members.
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22 Jun, 2021 by Rhonda and joe
From our first phone call to the office, till our last court appearance Vanessa and everyone in the office was wonderful. Every call, email, and meeting, we were made to feel our case was the most important thing not only to us but them. Every question we had was answered in a timely fashion. Custody matters are scary, but Vanessa and team gave us confidence, and real expectations. We would absolutely recommend and use Vanessa to anyone going through custody matters.
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11 Jun, 2021 by Allison
Vanessa is wonderful! She gets into the details, provides council, and will lay out best case / worst case situations - then you make your decision. I have been with Vanessa for years and am glad she represented me. I recommend Vanessa to anyone in need of a family law attorney.
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30 Aug, 2019 by Brad
Emily handled a divorce matter in which I never thought I'd see myself embroiled. She was incredibly competent, listened well and counseled me through the evolving options and nuances of my case. When the matters became contentious, she maintained calm compassion and focused her efforts to bring the case to closure with great effectiveness and timeliness. This was legal representation at its finest!
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12 May, 2016 by Anonymous
She took over the case and handled it with dedication, follow through ,and exceptional customer service. She went above and beyond in a short period of time. Highly recommend her.
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24 Aug, 2014 by Josh
I was able to get custody of my twins with Jacks help. He was always up front and honest and fought for my kidss. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is seeking custody of there children. I owe him a great deal of gratitude.
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25 Oct, 2019 by Ashley
Jeremy was great in my divorce won everything plus some I reccomend Jeremy to anyone who is needing a divorce or anything with child custody he is up on his job and gets it done right.
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27 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
Rebecca worked very hard for me and was able to get me full custody of my child. I highly recommend her, she is a talented lawyer and she knows the law and has morals and sticks to them.
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11 Oct, 2024 by William coleman
A ticket I received turned out to be a Class A misdemeanor. Couldn't just pay a fine, had to appear in court. After looking up Class A misdemeanor it appeared more serious than a standard ticket, so I chose to seek legal advice. I called the Baker law firm and Mr Baker himself returned my call. I was set up with a meeting the next day and related what had happened. He felt quite certain he could get the case dismissed, possibly without a court appearance, and if that wasn't possible a short appearance in court and court costs, and the problem would be solved. Within a few hours his secretary called and informed me he had negotiated the dismissal. I did have to appear in court the next day but that went smoothly in less than a half hour. I felt like he and his staff truly cared about my problem. I give the Baker Law firm my highest recommendation.
Lynn Coleman
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08 Oct, 2024 by Baden friday
08 Oct, 2024 by Allen west jr
06 Mar, 2024 by Sharon stout
He represented me in my case with my grandson and he is an excellent attorney. Very smart and professional. I highly recommend Mr Brinson.
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01 Mar, 2024 by Timothy chambers
Miles Brinson is an excellent, compassionate, and knowledgeable attorney. Having gone against him in a hotly contested child custody case, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that he brings great honor to the legal profession.
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11 Jan, 2024 by Aaron simerly
Miles has been my lawyer for about 4 years now. He's represented me in the 3 cases that I have had and always got me what I wanted and gave me a walk through of what's to be expected during the process. He's very responsive and easy to get in touch with. Super pleased with him and will always refer anyone who needs legal counsel to go through him.
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15 Aug, 2024 by Tyler king
I had a very contentious child custody case. From day 1 Ben and his team took great care of me. In the end we got an extremely favorable outcome, due to following Ben's advice. I would recommend The Barnett Firm to anyone needing a family law attorney.
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12 Jul, 2024 by Amy langley
22 Apr, 2024 by Matt bratton
Mr. Barnett is an able and attentive attorney. His keen eye for relevant details, persistence, and perseverance are a tremendous advantage over the opposition
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16 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
Ms. Human is so passionate about her work - she is kind and thorough with everything she does. I would HIGHLY recommend her for any legal needs.
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19 Jul, 2023 by Wade phillips
28 Jun, 2023 by Anonymous
Nicole helped me navigate the most tumultuous time of my life. She advocated for me when I wasn't able to do it for myself.
I originally visited her office with an offer my ex extended me, in the end, with Nicole's help I ended up with 3x the original offer.
She took the time to explain the process, charged fair rates, and was conscience of my budget restraints.
Thanks to her I got to the other side of this!
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07 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
PLEASE BE CAREFULL ABOUT SPEAKING TO THIS LAWFIRM ASK ABOUT PRICES UP FRONT . PAID $300 FOR 45 MINUTES.
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01 Mar, 2018 by Jonathan
Melanie and her team at Held Law firm were efficient and informative during my recent divorce settlement. Melanie was courteous and listened to my many questions. She seemed to be genuinely concerned about me and my situation and had good suggestions. Melanie represented me well in the proceedings and it would be easy to recommend her to someone else.
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08 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
Melanie did a good job of informing me of options and acted quickly to do what she said she would do.
Difficult circumstances made tolerable by efficiency. Thank You
Made a big difference in my future.
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24 Apr, 2024 by Cori schimmek
I hired Held Law Firm to help me attain a passport for my minor child that was unfortunately not covered in my original divorce agreement. Margaret and her team were wonderful. There were some issues at the hearing, (no fault of Held Law Firm), but Margaret went above and beyond for me. There are not many attorneys in this town or elsewhere that want to “make it right” for their clients. If I ever need an attorney in the future, I will definitely hire the ladies at Held Law. Thank you all for your help, kindness and integrity.
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17 Apr, 2024 by Joyce atchley
The persons at the firm were very polite and knowledgeable. Wray and I are so glad we came there for our needs. Thanks so much Celey for your hard work
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12 Mar, 2024 by Tyann switzer
Held Law Firm was amazing in representing me in my divorce. Melanie handled my case and was very thorough in the details. I was very anxious and scared about the process, but she was very kind and helpful. She was always available to answer my questions no matter how small they were. She negotiated very well on my behalf of the custody plan with my child and on my behalf of the divorce settlement. Melanie even kept in touch with me after my divorce was final to make sure my settlement was awarded correctly. I highly recommend Held Law Firm.
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20 Apr, 2020 by Anonymous
Personable and professional, clearly explained process and was transparent regarding legal fees. Responsive, worked to streamline communication, kept things simple and minimized costs by being efficient and focused on progress. Recommend without any reservations.
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21 Jan, 2019 by Anonymous
Luke just ran rings around my ex's lawyer. This guy knows the law inside and out. More importantly, though, he worked with me so that I understood what was going on, and he gave a damn about what was going on with my kids. They're not kidding -- they put family first. This guy's the real deal.
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17 Nov, 2018 by Emily
Prepare for a long detailed review. They are worth it!!
During my long exstensive divorce...I found my circumstances were much more severe than expected. I reached out to a retired Knox Co. judge informing him my current dissatisfaction with the enigma of my case and previous attorney (NOT Luke) and the outcome of our future. The judge encouraged and edified Luke Shipley as the best and most qualified to get me the outcome that I needed for the protection and safety of my daughter and I. I hired Luke who at the time was with another law firm. I quickly noticed he was doing far more exstensive research, work, and digging then what was recorded on the law firms invoices. The complexity of my case was heart breaking and confusing. The paper trail alone was enough to cause high anxiety but not for Luke. Luke was fluid in his knowledge and expertise of the law able to stay ahead of the opponent. He brought in his powerful wife who was able to shed light on the criminal aspect of the case. I was beyond thankful when Luke and Megan began their own practice. By this time, Luke had already fixed the mess the previous attorney had made and began helping me undo all the emotional and mental control from my ex by shedding light on the truth and going to bat for me. He defended me, my daughter, and the law. Luke and Megan's code of ethics and financial practices are honest, hard working, and for the good of their clients. No one wants to go through the pain and loss of divorce...but when you do, it's GOOD to have attorneys who fight for you, listen to you, and understand you. Luke stayed balanced, informative, and was able to look at every angle to see what would protect us and secure our future while doing what was honorable and right according to the laws of TN. If I ever need an attorney again...Luke Shipley and Megan Swain will always be the attorneys I go with, recommend, and forever respect. Thank you both so much for the peace you've given to this mama's heart. I'm eternally grateful. It you need an attorney, no question...Hire "Shipley & Swain." They will care for you selflessly and respect your money. They will do what's best for you and all involved for your case.
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19 Nov, 2017 by Angela
Mr. Brinson helped me so much through my divorce. It was not something I ever thought I would go through, and Mr. Brinson was kind and understanding throughout the process. He answered my questions in a way that helped me understand some complicated things, but never made me feel dumb. I was also in contact with Mr. Brinson often because of my many questions and concerns, and he never got impatient with me. He always took the time to talk to me without seeming to rush. I felt like he truly cared about my situation and that he did his best to get me the best outcome possible. I couldn't recommend him any more highly.
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20 Apr, 2017 by Stacey
Just wanted to say that Mr. Brinson is a phenomenal lawyer! Through our case he was consistently concerned and focused on the safety of me and my children. Thank you so much, Alex!
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23 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
I am disabled and Alex Brinson was assigned to me for divorce on a 30 year marriage from a husband that was controlling and abusive. When Alex told me he was dropping me because couldn't get husband served (even though husband in military) I didn't know what to do so I tried to find him myself (with backup assistance of course). When Alex found out he was extremely rude and told me I didn't act like an abused spouse and was a stalker. I cannot believe how rude and unprofessional this attorney was to me. He has no idea what I have been through and how controlling my husband was. I just want a divorce!!! Alex has no clue about military divorces nor what all was required when filing paperwork with the court. Don't expect him to go above and beyond for you or be professional. I don't even know why he works through legal aide if he doesn't plan on providing appropriate services. With his limited knowledge on divorce and rude demeanor I would never recommend him to anyone!
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24 Sep, 2020 by Mark
The Law Office of Lisa Collins Werner helped me adopt my 3 children. The firm was very organized and friendly. Would definitely recommend this law office.
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24 Sep, 2020 by Jamie
I cannot say enough good things about Lisa Werner and her staff. They guided me through a long and painful divorce process with an abusive and bullying husband. Lisa fought hard to get me my results. Her office was with me every step of the way, especially Peggy, who always had time to listen to my concerns and answer my questions. Lisa is a great attorney, and I would hire her again (hope I don't have to) and recommend her to anyone.
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24 Sep, 2020 by Victor
THANK GOD FOR LISA WARNER! My b***h of an ex-wife kept taking me back to court for TEN!!! years trying to redo the distribution of property and take properties I'd had 20 years before I even met her. She wanted more alimony too. Ha! Lisa got it all taken care of and even got me back some of my attorneys fee. hire her!
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03 Apr, 2023 by Tamara
On 6.15.21 I hired Ashley to handle the adoption of my grandson that I already had legal guardianship of. I know she sent a processor in 11.21 to find the bio-father to sign over custody. From that point on she didn't do anything else on my case until I filed a complaint with the State board. Finally on 1.19.23 we went to court and she didn't have the proper paperwork. I didn't hear from her again until I hired another lawyer to finish what she started. On 3.8 she called said she was on her way to court to have the judge sign and pick up my certified copies to mail to me. I've reached out several times and as of today, 4.3.23 I still haven't gotten my copies of the adoption. Please...don't use this attorney!
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12 Jan, 2020 by Meghan
Ashley was truly a god send to our family! When our private adoption got a little sticky and the hospital was doing/saying conflicting things to the birth mother, whom had made her choice of a private adoption and chose my husband and I, Ashley truly went to bat for us! In the most respectful, tactful, but productive way she contacted the appropriate hospital attorneys and authority's to make sure our sons custody arrangement and his safety, best interest, and well-being was the number one thing everyone focused on. When our son was three days old and in the NICU, Ashley was able to meet with a judge to get us emergency custody of our son, per the birth parents wishes, so we could make appropriate medical decisions for him, visit him, and begin to bond with him before bringing him home from the hospital. Throughout our entire adoption process, Ashley made sure we were informed, prepared, and also had everything done exactly as needed for the legal side of this adoption. Our case was very unusual and we always had a million questions, emailed her pretty much weekly, spoke on the phone often, and visited her in the office with our son and no matter how many times she had answered the question before, she always explained things to us again. Aside from being an amazing attorney, who communicated often with us and kept us in the loop of where we were at in the filing process, she always showed us that she truly cared. She took interest in our personal story, why we were adopted, and she truly loves our son and he loves her even more. Any time we saw her, he was reaching for her. I’m not sure that without Ashley’s tenacity, tact, strength, and persistence that we would have our son; seeing as the hospital had some conflicting thoughts when he was born and until he was three days old. My husband and I cannot speak more highly of Ashley (and everyone At the Barnett Firm) as they truly fought not only for us, but with us to become parents. There will never be enough thanks and praise to show and tell her!
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04 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
With my case I didn’t know what to do or how to handle it but Ashley was very clear and she understood how I felt. When I hired Ashley, she was on top of everything for my case and she answered any questions I had. If I emailed her with anything, she responded within a day or two. I absolutely love Ashely and how she handled my child support case.
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08 Dec, 2020 by Ethan
At the lowest point of my life, Mr. Stansell
Helped me pick up the pieces. He was always communicative, answering calls or emails from me well outside regular hours. He offered wonderful advice and truly helped make this divorce and child custody process bearable. I cannot recommend enough.
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02 Oct, 2017 by Anonymous
Talked a good talk, but did very little. I never received communication, documents, returned phone calls. Was not informed of a court date, nor was the opposing counsel! Billed several thousand dollars for nothing. Left firm abruptly (I assume he was fired) which was the only positive thing that happened.
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13 Jun, 2017 by Tyler
Being faced with a divorce while on deployment, Mr. Stansell took excellent care and represented me throughout the process. He was attentive, responsive, and a calming force during a very hard time in my life. He answered all my questions and helped me to make sense of divorce proceedings when I wasn't even in the country. He helped me find contractors to do work on my home so it could be put on the market, appraisers for cars and jewelry - he really was an outstanding attorney. I highly recommend Zachariah to anyone who is looking for someone who knows their stuff, is aggressive when necessary and will represent you and your interests well, and also give honest feedback throughout the process. He is a five star attorney and worth every penny. Cannot thank him enough for what he did for me and my family.
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01 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
We retained Mrs Ogle for an important matter and was extremely disappointed in her representation. There were several times I reached out to find out the status on certain topics to no reply, ever. There were several things that she did not follow through with. I had several questions during our meeting and also the day of court and she literally told me “not now” or basically gave me a look that said shut up. She did not fight for the needs of our situation. The only time I felt confident in Mrs Ogle was when she was selling herself during the consultation. I regret hiring Mrs Ogle, she is not an aggressive attorney at all. Anyone looking to hire Mrs Ogle, I would look elsewhere. I have never written a review of any kind in my life but felt the need to save someone else from wasting their money.
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27 Jan, 2017 by Linde
I recently retained Mrs. Ogle to file divorce papers for me. She was a pleasure to work with. She did everything I asked in a timely and professional manner. Her rates were reasonable and I left satisfied with the time that it took and the end result. If you want someone on your side that doesn't make you feel like just another billable hour you would be remiss not to at least consult with her on your situation.
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31 Jul, 2021 by T.
We hired Mr. Herrera after a pleasant phone call to help my elderly mother with a landlord (slumlord). After paying his fee for a letter we had to seriously edit because it did not contain troubling elements regarding her landlord's negligence, he was difficult to reach and made excuses contrary to legal remedies we know existed.
A month after the first letter, as we waited for the landlord to take action on his dilapidated house, I hired him to write a letter to a business competitor regarding his defamation and slander. I had to write the entire thing, including state and federal laws he was ignoring, as I'd already emailed him the laws and their corresponding precedents.
Months later, after landlord had failed to live up to his own written promises, much less repair the house in a livable fashion -- which includes a failing heating and ductwork system -- Mr. Herrera told my mom to wait until winter before we could address the issue.
Seriously? Seriously.
We'd informed him, with photos, of this problem the PREVIOUS WINTER.
To get that "answer," we had to call numerous times over the course of two weeks, finally stating "we'll have to hire a new attorney if we don't hear from you today."
He took our money, wrote crappy letters, refused to any follow-up, and never stated fees for more action. Maybe he didn't want to take any action. Maybe he made his easy money and that was all he wanted. We paid for letters I could've written myself just to have his Esq. attached to them.
Wasted six months and $800 which would've been better spent on a competent lawyer. Nothing has changed since we sadly chose Mr. Herrera to "represent" us.
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15 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney after my divorce. She recommended that I try to get full custody of my 3 children because it would increase my child support. She gave me the impression that this was a no-brainer. After weeks of depositions, hiring a Psychologist to perform a custody evaluation and 2 weeks sitting in a court room trial, all at her recommendation (Her web site says most of her cases go to trial) The Judge made no changes. I was left with hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorney fees. If she would have told me this was a remote possibility, I would have never moved forward.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Child Support Lawyer Can Do for You
A child support lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the financial support that one parent provides to another for the upbringing of their children. These lawyers assist with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, ensuring that the financial needs of the child are met, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. A child support lawyer can also represent parents in disputes over the amount of support, ensure fair calculations based on income, and handle legal proceedings if one parent fails to meet their obligations.
Whether you're seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, a child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights and the well-being of your child.
When Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child support lawyer when you need assistance with any of the following child support matters:
- Establishing child support: If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a child support order, a lawyer can help ensure that the support amount is fair and accurately calculated.
- Modifying child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, income change, or a child's financial needs, a lawyer can help you request a modification to the existing child support order.
- Enforcing child support payments: If the other parent has failed to make court-ordered child support payments, a lawyer can help enforce the order through legal means such as wage garnishment, property liens, or even legal action.
- Disputing child support calculations: If you believe the child support amount has been incorrectly calculated based on your income or expenses, a lawyer can help you challenge the calculation and seek a fair adjustment.
- Paternity disputes: If paternity needs to be established before child support can be ordered, a lawyer can assist with DNA testing and legal proceedings.
- Interstate child support cases: If the parents live in different states, navigating child support laws can be complex. A lawyer can help ensure the proper jurisdiction is established and that child support is enforced across state lines.
- Child support during custody disputes: If child custody and child support are being determined simultaneously, a lawyer can help ensure that both issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.
Hiring a lawyer early can help ensure that your child support case is handled effectively and that your child's financial needs are met.
What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?
A child support lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents secure, modify, and enforce child support arrangements. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing for child support: A lawyer can help you initiate the legal process to obtain a child support order, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and deadlines are met.
- Calculating child support: A lawyer can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on both parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare and education costs.
- Negotiating child support agreements: If both parents are willing to negotiate, a lawyer can help facilitate an agreement on child support outside of court, which can then be approved by a judge.
- Representing you in court: If negotiations fail or the other parent contests the child support amount, a lawyer will represent you in family court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Modifying support orders: A lawyer can help you file a request for modification if circumstances change, such as a loss of income or an increase in the child’s financial needs.
- Enforcing child support: If the other parent is not making court-ordered payments, a lawyer can take legal steps to enforce the order through wage garnishment, property liens, or other measures.
- Handling complex cases: In cases involving high incomes, self-employment, or complicated financial situations, a lawyer can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining child support.
How Are Child Support Lawyers Paid?
Child support lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child support lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. The total cost will depend on how much time the lawyer spends on your case, including preparation, negotiations, and court appearances.
- Flat fee: For more straightforward cases, such as uncontested child support agreements or basic modifications, some lawyers may offer a flat fee that covers all services related to the case.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount of the retainer depends on the expected complexity of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide pro bono (free) services in cases where clients cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially when children’s needs are at stake.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are covered.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child support lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it's contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested child support cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the lawyer’s fees.
- Contested child support cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves significant court time.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for child support cases, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases that involve complex financial issues.
- Modification or enforcement: Fees for modifying or enforcing a child support order may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and the need for court intervention.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Support Lawyer
Before hiring a child support lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child support cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and any potential challenges you may face. -
How long will the process take?
Child support cases can take time, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what factors may cause delays. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
What documents should I prepare?
Ask the lawyer what financial documents and other information you should bring to help them calculate child support and build your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Support Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child support lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and have successfully handled child support cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on child support matters.
- Check for certifications: Some lawyers may have certifications in family law or membership in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), which can indicate their expertise in child support and family law issues.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a child support lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Income documents: Bring pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or any other documentation of your income and the other parent’s income, as this will be used to calculate child support.
- Existing child support orders: If there are any existing child support or custody orders, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
- Child-related expenses: Provide documentation of your child’s medical bills, education expenses, daycare costs, and any other expenses that should be factored into the child support calculation.
- Communication with the other parent: Bring any communication between you and the other parent regarding child support, whether through emails, text messages, or written agreements.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer’s fees.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.
